In the current online business landscape, changing visitors to customers is the key focus for any online business. This is where sales funnel software shows its worth, and ClickFunnels remains one of the most well-known names in this space.
Started by Russell Brunson in 2014, ClickFunnels has revolutionized the way companies and business owners handle online sales, offering to improve the conversion path from discovery to final purchase.
But is ClickFunnels worth pursuing? Does it meet its claims? Whether you’re a marketing professional or building your business from scratch, this in-depth review will provide you with the complete picture you need to make an smart choice about ClickFunnels.
Introducing ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is an unified marketing platform created to help businesses design optimized sales funnels without the need for technical expertise or a team of developers. At its foundation, ClickFunnels allows users to construct landing pages, produce email sequences, handle payments, and oversee customer relationships-all within a one platform.
The Principle of Sales Funnels
Prior to diving deeper into ClickFunnels, it’s critical to understand what a sales funnel is. A sales funnel illustrates the path customers go through from becoming aware of your product or service to converting.
It typically includes stages like awareness, interest, deliberation, and conversion.
Regular sites are often constructed without a clear path for visitors to follow. This can result in high bounce rates and wasted potential customers. Sales funnels, in comparison, are strategically designed to steer visitors through a defined path, raising the likelihood of positive outcomes at each step.
ClickFunnels’ Philosophy
ClickFunnels has reduced complexity in the process of creating these funnels with its intuitive editor and ready-to-use templates. The platform’s approach centers around not just designing web pages but creating successful conversion paths that transition visitors into customers and customers into brand ambassadors.
Essential Components of ClickFunnels
1. Funnel Construction Kit
The foundation of ClickFunnels is its simple funnel builder. Users can decide between a variety of funnel types, including:
- Opt-in funnels: Designed to collect email addresses
- Sales funnels: For retailing products or services
- Webinar funnels: To advertise and register users for webinars
- Membership funnels: For ongoing products
The user-friendly interface makes it straightforward to add elements like text, images, videos, forms, and buttons without producing a single line of code.
2. Pre-built Templates
ClickFunnels features over numerous professionally created templates for numerous industries and purposes. These templates, produced by marketing specialists, are engineered for sales and can be customized to match your brand.
3. Split Testing
Knowing what appeals to your audience is key for enhancing conversions. ClickFunnels’ A/B testing function allows you to build multiple versions of your pages and examine different elements to see which performs better.
4. Email Marketing
ClickFunnels integrates email marketing capabilities, allowing you to build automated email sequences activated by specific actions. This feature helps foster leads and guide them further down the sales funnel.
5. Billing Integration
The platform effortlessly integrates with payment processors like Stripe, PayPal, and others, facilitating you to accept payments straight through your funnels without moving customers to external sites.
6. Subscription Areas
For experts selling courses or subscription content, ClickFunnels offers the ability to create secure membership areas where users can access protected content.
7. Results Monitoring
ClickFunnels delivers extensive analytics on funnel success, including page views, conversions, and earnings. These data help users refine their funnels for better results.
8. Partner Program Tools
If you have an affiliate program, ClickFunnels makes it easy to administer your affiliates, track their performance, and manage commission payments.
ClickFunnels 2.0: The Improvement
In 2022, ClickFunnels released its most major update: ClickFunnels 2.0. This new version embodies a complete redesign of the platform with advanced features and capabilities.
Upgrades in 2.0?
- Better Website Builder: A more comprehensive website builder that allows for total website creation, not just funnels
- Expanded E-commerce Capabilities: Better product management, inventory tracking, and order fulfillment
- Blog Creation: The ability to create and handle a blog directly within ClickFunnels
- Enhanced Customization: More adaptability in design and functionality
- Improved User Interface: A more intuitive dashboard and editor
- Loading Time Upgrades: Faster page loading times and better mobile responsiveness
- Expanded CRM Features: More sophisticated customer relationship management tools
The upgrade to 2.0 solves many of the shortcomings users experienced with the original version, making it a more comprehensive marketing solution.
Price Plans
ClickFunnels presents different pricing tiers to suit businesses of various sizes:
Standard Plan
The Basic plan (now called the “Standard” plan in ClickFunnels 2.0) costs $147 per month and includes:
- Up to 20 funnels
- Up to 100 pages
- 3 payment gateways
- 3 domains
- 1 admin user
- Email automation
- Basic analytics
Premium Plan
At $197 per month, the Pro plan features:
- Unlimited funnels
- Unlimited pages
- 9 payment gateways
- 9 domains
- 3 admin users
- Advanced automation
- Enhanced analytics
Elite Plan
For $997 per month, the Funnel Hacker plan includes:
- All Pro features
- Unlimited funnels and pages
- 27 payment gateways
- 27 domains
- 15 admin users
- Priority support
- Advanced API access
- Advanced training
All plans typically provide a 14-day free trial, allowing users to try the platform before subscribing financially.
The Strengths of Using ClickFunnels
1. All-In-One Solution
Perhaps the greatest advantage of ClickFunnels is that it merges multiple tools into one platform. Instead of juggling different services for landing pages, email marketing, payment processing, and membership sites, users can operate all these aspects in one place.
2. No Development Experience Required
The platform’s intuitive interface eliminates the need for coding or design skills. This opens up the funnel-building process, making it accessible to entrepreneurs without technical backgrounds.
3. Fast Implementation
With ready-made templates and a optimized workflow, ClickFunnels significantly reduces the time needed to deploy a marketing campaign. What might take weeks with custom development can be accomplished in days or even hours.
4. Help Resources
ClickFunnels has built a thriving community of users who share strategies, successes, and advice. The official ClickFunnels Facebook group has over 250,000 members, creating a useful resource for marketers at all levels. Additionally, the platform offers comprehensive documentation, tutorials, and responsive customer support.
5. Tested Conversion Frameworks
The templates and funnel structures within ClickFunnels are founded on proven marketing principles and tested conversion strategies. This means users employ established best practices rather than creating from nothing.
6. Knowledge Base
Beyond the software itself, ClickFunnels offers a collection of educational resources. Russell Brunson’s books, such as “DotCom Secrets” and “Expert Secrets,” provide helpful marketing insights, while the ClickFunnels training programs offer formal learning opportunities.
Limitations and Drawbacks
Despite its many strengths, ClickFunnels isn’t without limitations:
1. Price Point
Starting at $147 per month, ClickFunnels represents a noteworthy investment, especially for individual entrepreneurs or startups with limited budgets. Many competitors offer more inexpensive entry-level options.
2. Training Requirement
While designed to be straightforward, mastering all of ClickFunnels’ features and understanding funnel strategy takes time and dedication. New users might feel overwhelmed by the platform’s capabilities.
3. Constrained Design Flexibility
Though the drag-and-drop editor is robust, designers accustomed to more advanced tools might find it confining. The balance between simplicity and flexibility sometimes prioritizes the former.
4. Page Load Time
Prior to 2.0, some users reported issues with page loading speed, which can diminish SEO and user experience. While ClickFunnels 2.0 has improved performance, optimizing for speed requires attention.
5. Email Marketing Restrictions
While ClickFunnels contains email marketing features, they’re not as advanced as dedicated email marketing platforms. Power users might still need additional tools for sophisticated email campaigns.
ClickFunnels Rivals: How They Compare
The sales funnel and landing page builder market has become increasingly contested. Here’s how ClickFunnels measures against its main competitors:
1. Kartra
Strengths relative to ClickFunnels:
- More comprehensive marketing automation
- Built-in video hosting and advanced video marketing features
- More capable email marketing capabilities
- Helpdesk and ticket system included
Weaknesses:
- Steeper learning curve
- Fewer templates specifically optimized for sales funnels
- Less active community
2. Leadpages
Strong points:
- More affordable entry point ($37/month)
- Strong focus on lead generation
- Excellent mobile-responsive designs
- Solid WordPress integration
Disadvantages:
- Less robust than ClickFunnels (primarily focuses on landing pages)
- Limited checkout and payment processing options
- No built-in email marketing
3. Unbounce
Strengths:
- Advanced A/B testing capabilities
- Highly adjustable design options
- Strong analytics and conversion intelligence
- More affordable starting point
Disadvantages:
- Primarily focused on landing pages rather than complete funnels
- No built-in payment processing
- Less user-friendly for non-technical users
4. Systeme.io
Advantages:
- Significantly more inexpensive (starting at $27/month, with a free plan available)
- All-in-one solution similar to ClickFunnels
- Simple, intuitive interface
Disadvantages:
- Fewer templates and design options
- Less robust feature set
- Smaller community and fewer educational resources
5. Instapage
Positives:
- Superior design flexibility and customization
- Advanced collaboration features
- Excellent analytics and heatmaps
- Strong AdWords and Facebook Ads integration
Drawbacks:
- Higher price point (starting at $149/month)
- Focus on landing pages rather than complete funnels
- No built-in payment processing
6. WordPress + Plugins (DIY Approach)
Advantages:
- Most budget-friendly option if you already have WordPress
- Ultimate flexibility and customization
- Complete ownership and control
- One-time purchases versus subscription model
Disadvantages:
- Requires technical knowledge to set up and maintain
- Multiple plugins may cause compatibility issues
- No unified support system
- Time-intensive to implement and manage
Who Should Use ClickFunnels?
ClickFunnels is particularly perfect for:
1. Online Course Creators and Coaches
The platform excels at creating sales funnels for digital products like courses, coaching programs, and membership sites. The built-in membership functionality makes it simple to deliver content to paying customers.
2. Internet Retail Businesses
With ClickFunnels 2.0’s advanced e-commerce features, online retailers can create effective product funnels that raise average order value through upsells, downsells, and order bumps.
3. B2B Service Businesses
Consultants, agencies, and service providers can use ClickFunnels to obtain leads, book appointments, and sell service packages without complex website development.
4. Partnership Marketers
The platform’s optimization for conversions makes it appropriate for affiliate marketers looking to increase their commissions from promotional campaigns.
5. Authors and Content Creators
ClickFunnels provides effective book funnel templates that help authors sell books while securing reader information for long-term relationship building.
6. Code-Averse Entrepreneurs
Those without coding or design skills will value ClickFunnels’ intuitive interface and pre-built templates.
Who Should Explore Other Options Elsewhere?
ClickFunnels may not be the right option for:
1. Small Businesses with Limited Budgets
The monthly investment might be costly for businesses just starting out or with tight marketing budgets.
2. Media-Rich Websites
Businesses that rely heavily on blog content and SEO might find traditional CMS platforms like WordPress more suitable, though ClickFunnels 2.0 has made improvements in this area.
3. Creative Professionals Seeking Complete Creative Control
Those who require exact designs and extensive customization might prefer platforms with more design flexibility.
4. Large Scale Businesses with Complex Requirements
Very large organizations with complex integration needs and custom requirements might need more customized solutions.
Starting Out with ClickFunnels: Tips for Success
If you decide to try ClickFunnels, here are some tips to improve your experience:
1. Start with the Right Funnel Type
Opt for a funnel template that aligns with your specific goal, whether it’s lead generation, product sales, or webinar registration.
2. Focus on One Funnel at a Time
Rather than trying to build multiple funnels simultaneously, focus on creating and optimizing one performing funnel before moving on to the next.
3. Use the Training Resources
Take advantage of the thorough training materials, including ClickFunnels’ onboarding sequence and the FunnelFlix training library.
4. Join the Community
The ClickFunnels Facebook group provides beneficial insights and support from fellow users who can help troubleshoot issues or suggest optimization strategies.
5. Experiment and Optimize
Use the A/B testing features to consistently refine your funnels based on actual user behavior and conversion data.
6. Start with Pre-built Templates
Rather than building from scratch, adapt existing high-converting templates to match your brand and offering.
Summary: Is ClickFunnels Worth It?
ClickFunnels represents a substantial investment, but for many businesses, the reward on that investment can be substantial. The platform’s strength lies in its ability to simplify the complex process of creating effective sales funnels while providing the tools needed to cultivate leads and convert customers.
The decision ultimately rests on your specific business needs, technical comfort level, and budget. If you’re intent on optimizing your online sales process and prefer an all-in-one solution that doesn’t require technical expertise, ClickFunnels offers a convincing package-especially with the advanced capabilities of ClickFunnels 2.0.
For businesses that can afford the monthly subscription and are serious about implementing effective sales funnels, ClickFunnels provides both the tools and the strategic framework to thrive in today’s competitive digital landscape. The platform continues to evolve, fixing previous limitations and growing its capabilities to serve a broader range of marketing needs.
Whether you’re selling e-products, retail products, or expertise, ClickFunnels offers a streamlined path from stranger to customer-and that, for many businesses, is worth the investment.